An assessment of particulate mercury and arsenic concentrations in size-fractioned total suspended particulate matter in urban areas

Abstract

In this study, arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) fractioned at nine different sizes (> 8, 8-6.5, 6.5-5.2, 5.2-3.5, 3.5-2.6, 2.6-1.7, 1.7-1, 1-0.43, and 10) of As were observed within the fine particle size (< 1 mu m) at all stations. The EF values of As generally decreased with increasing particle size. A significant negative correlation was observed between the size of the particles and the As concentration in the heating period at the BeAYiktaAY and Rasathane stations, which are located in residential areas. Higher Hg concentrations were found in fine particles (< 2.6 mu m) at stations near the sea, specifically during non-heating periods.